Starting the season undefeated is nothing new to South Lakes soccer. Last year they began the year 5-0-2, a refreshing run after ending the 2016 season under .500. But it didn’t last. They lost three of their next five games and eventually fell to Langley in the first round of the regional playoffs.
“Last year we did a lot of growing,” Pfister said. “We saw success early on and then it kind of faded. So this year we wanted consistency.”
At 8-0-1, the Seahawks have been the only consistent team in the ultracompetitive Liberty District. Their only non-victory was a draw against Washington-Lee where they scored the game-tying goal with 10 men.
“That game was good because after we didn’t keep our emotions in check, we still came out and executed and got the tie,” Pfister said.
The Seahawks responded to adversity again the next game after a penalty call gave defending state champions Langley a 2-1 lead. South Lakes tied it up with a goal 30 seconds later and went on to win 3-2.
When asked about his team at the beginning of this season, Pfister said that on paper it was the best squad he’s had in his 11 years at South Lakes. Performances like the ones given against Washington-Lee and Langley helped prove him correct.
The Seahawks are led by two dynamic senior scorers, Bardia Kimiavi (headed to Northwestern next year) and Kahlil Dover (Virginia Tech). Together they give teams trouble up the wing, making deep runs and scoring video clip goals.
Pfister said the seniors are freed up by two strong underclassman in the middle: junior Alexander Robles and sophomore Oswualdo Cruz. Their presence and skill gives Pfister plenty of flexibility and means Dover and Kimiavi don’t always have to be on the ball.
“If we didn’t have those two, I wouldn’t be able to put them up top. Flexibility is so key,” he said.
The team hopes to use its flexibility and consistency to avoid a late-season fade and finish with one of the top two seeds in the conference playoffs. Under this year’s new structure, there is an added incentive for that kind of finish: a first-round bye in what should be a rigorous postseason.
1. Oakton (9-0-1) Last week’s ranking: 1
Junior forward Julio Quintanilla Rosales scored in wins over Madison and Westfield last week.
2. Briar Woods (8-1-0) LW: 2
The Falcons led 7-0 at halftime in a rout of Broad Run.
3. South Lakes (8-0-1) LW: 3
Kimiavi and Cruz both scored in the Seahawks’ 4-1 win over McLean on Tuesday.
4. W.T. Woodson (5-1-2) LW: 4
Looking to bounce back from their loss to Robinson, the Cavaliers had to settle for a tie against Fairfax.
5. Forest Park (7-2-2) LW: 5
After winning four straight, the Bruins tied Hylton and Gar-Field.
6. Loudoun Valley (11-0-0) LW: 6
The undefeated Vikings scored another comfortable win Monday, beating Skyline 8-0.
7. George Mason (9-0-1) LW: 10
The Mustangs scored back-to-back 8-0 wins against Strasburg and Madison County.
8. Stuart (7-2-1) LW: 7
A 3-2 loss to Marshall snapped a seven-game win streak for the Raiders.
9. Falls Church (8-2-0) LW: NR
Tuesday’s loss to Marshall was the Jaguars’ first since March 16.
10. Battlefield (6-2-3) LW: 9
At 3-0-2, the Bobcats have yet to lose in Cedar Run district play.
Dropped out: No. 8 Herndon (5-2-2)
On the bubble: Stone Bridge (6-2-2), Marshall (6-3-1), Park View (8-4-0)